With videos of chaos filling our social media feeds, the Portsmouth Ohio Protest was peaceful.
The attendance was estimated at just over 100 participants. The assembly began on Sunday, May 31st at 5 pm with a gathering at the Portsmouth Spartan Stadium. The group began a walk that went concluded at the steps of the Portsmouth Municipal Building. Along the way, one minor injury was reported. However, it was not at the hands of any within the group. Paramedics rendered aid near 3rd and Waller streets.
There were plenty of agencies on hand to provide mutual aid assistance. They included: Portsmouth Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, Shawnee State University Police, and the Portsmouth Fire Department.
A perimeter was established with multiple unmarked Special Response Team units carefully keeping watch. For about one hour, 2nd Street was closed to traffic. When the participants were advised by a police officer they would like to reopen the street, all returned to the sidewalks in a peaceful and respectful manner.
One call came out concerning a suspicious package. After inspection, it was the container for a child’s riding toy. There were several children in participation. Upon the initial gathering at the Stadium, police advised each other that children were within the group. Once the group arrived at the Portsmouth Municipal Building, others joined. They had gathered in nearby parking lots.
At the time of this publishing, the Portsmouth Ohio Protest remains peaceful. We will monitor activity into the evening and update if needed.